A= I will be using VAC materials (clay or canvas only) therefore this piece will be completely donated to the VAC for the festival and any future use, including gift to donor, on website, or education purposes. I understand that I will receive no revenue for this contribution.

B= I will be using my own materials and will offer it FOR SALE during the festival. Commission is 50% to me and 50% to the VAC. Artwork in this category can only be “Inspired by Picasso”

C= I will be using my own materials and DONATE the piece for the use of the VAC archives, educational purposes, or as a gift for donor.

History of the Fine Arts Festival

The Fine Arts Festival (FAF) began in the fall of 2003 as a themed formal fundraiser party. That year, the organizers thought it would be fun to have an artist as the theme and decorate with large 5x7 foot reproductions painted by Visual Arts Center artists as part of the decoration. Van Gogh was chosen by the organizers. A super-sized painting of one of his Paris night scenes served as the "doorway" outside the building for guests to walk through. A few of us were hanging out in the Visual Art Center office one day and said, "It's a shame this art won't be seen by more than the attendees at the party. We should have a Festival that goes on for a month.” and thus the Annual Fine Arts Festival was born - a month long celebration of an artist or period and the art reproductions."

For years, the month of the Festival was the theme of the downtown Gallery Walk with many of the reproductions displayed around town for that night with the artists. Artists and themes which have been celebrated over the years include: Dali, Gauguin, Degas, O'Keeffe, DaVinci/Michaelangelo, Lautrec, Spirit of the American Frontier, Monet, Sargent, and in 2014 we celebtated Art Nouveau/Art Deco.

Artists begin their creations after the chosen artist/theme is announced every spring. For many years some would paint their pieces in the Visual Art Center in Rebecca Hall in the summer, providing entertainment and education to the public and to the summer camp kids. Artists loved to replicate the techniques of these masters, learning about color mixing (using donated house paint in primary colors and black and white). At the same time the planning committee would brainstorm possible activities and events for the festival month that would complement the chosen subject. Movies and documentaries, impersonators, original plays written and acted by local talent, musical events, lectures, workshops, collaborations with local arts groups: dance, theatre, garden clubs and bus trips.

The Fine Arts Festival achieves Visual Arts Center goals in so many ways. It involves over 100 artists who paint reproductions and original interpretations. It educates the public. It offers opportunities for new viewers to visit the Visual Art Center, buy art or items in the gift shop or join as members. It provides opportunities for volunteers to give of their talents. But most importantly---It’s FUN for EVERYONE!